Thanks to the Beretta we had the pleasure of trying an over-and-under at the shooting range in Bettolino (BS) Beretta 690 Sporting I appreciating the qualities that make it an epigone in the specific sector. The favorable price combined with barrels and chokes of a high technical and performance level make this over-and-under one of the most chosen by enthusiasts. The characteristics see the classic action with half-pins and ear studs with the addition of the side shoulders against which the contrasting blocks fixed to the monobloc work: in these then the truncated cone bolts placed in the face of the action are inserted.
The lever arms that are created when fired are almost zero for the lower barrel and minimal for the upper one so that the shotgun has a marked stability to the shot and a phenomenal duration in the seals and closures. The very accurate trigger is single trigger with firing selector placed in the safety slide. The barrels are of the Sporting Steelium Optima Bore HP type, chambered for the 12/76 gauge, 81 cm long in the tested specimen, but they are also available in 71 and 76 cm: they undergo an anti-reflective treatment and are joined by ventilated side ribs to which adds the upper one with measures 10 × 8 mm.
The external chokes of the type Optima Choke High Performance they are quick to replace to adapt the shot pattern to the most favorable target and distance parameters. Stock with pistol grip and shaped forend for a firm grip are made from class 2,5 walnut wood, with semi-opaque oil paint, laser checkering with well-marked cusps; the embellishment is given by the new floral engravings of a very pleasant aspect.
On the field, the ease of use is appreciated and even shooters who do not usually frequent the platforms are able, after a few shots, to master the rifle: we particularly appreciated the smoothness of maneuver in opening and closing thanks to the overmolded soft touch lever, the promptness and the fluidity of the shots, the correct calibration of the ejectors and, in particular, the firing structure guaranteed by the balancing, with a weight of around 3.500 g and the Microcore anti-recoil pad. Some targets broken well and not just chipped, with the second barrel at unthinkable distances, even the most skeptical about the performance of this ballistic system.
Technical detail:Manufacturer: Pietro Beretta SPA Arms Factory - via Pietro Beretta, 18 - 25063 Gardone VT (BS) - Tel. 030 83411 - Fax 030 8341399 - www.beretta.comModel: 690 Sporting IType: Sporting shotgun with two smooth overlapping barrelsCALIBRO: 12/76operation: swinging barrelsWeighing machine: in alloy steel machined on the toolBattery: courtCane: length 81 cm (alternatively 71 or 76 cm) Steelium OptimaBore HP - junction with breech monoblocChokes: Optima Choke High Performance interchangeable outer shells (also for steel shot for 5-4 star chokes)Triggering device: direct with single trigger and selectorExtractors / ejectors: automaticLine of sight: shaded ventilated flat rib - white round bar sightSafety: with button on the upper side of the receiver with firing selectorStocking: in two pieces - class 2,5 walnut woods with oil finish - pistol grip and shaped shaft - Microcore recoil pad in black rubber -Finishes: satin finish on the receiver with polished and engraved parts - burnished barrelsWeight :: Approx.3.500 g with 81 cm barrelsInformative price: starting from € 2.799,00